SWITCHING REAL FAST FROM SSRI (LUVOX) TO MAOI (PARNATE)

[flowerville]

Hello,

Under extremely close, trained psychiatric supervision, it is possible to switch from an SSRI such as 300 mg Luvox CR to Parnate in less than 2 weeks?

Two weeks is problematic; I don't want to end up in the inpatient ward by turning into a rutabaga in 2 weeks, but I could survive without an AD for 1 week, for instance..............?

Any input?

P.S.:  I have an outstanding psychiatrist.  She can handle tough cases.

THANKS

Flowerville.

"We plant em"

[flowerville]

i mean....................i see my p-doc TONIGHT........................she's BA-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-D.....................................she'll know just what to do...

i'll keep ya posted...

FlowerVille

[flowerville]

all the best to you too.  thanks for caring.  i see my p-doc in a week.  that's enough time to commence MAOI Parnate therapy (tranylcypromine).

--FlowerVille

[RainLover71]

I suggest you speak to a professional/doctor about this matter because there are no doctors on this forum and as you are already aware yourself the combination/mixing of the 2 can be fatal.All the best.

[Anneinside]

The minimum time between ending an SSRI and starting an MAOI is two weeks. I am on Emsam, an MAOI patch, and followed that criteria just as my psychiatrist required. I also had ECT during that time which stabilized me during the two weeks. I have continued with the MAOI and ECT. I follow the diet most of the time, occasionally having a taste of something on the No-No list. I have not had any problems with this.

[nursegirl6572]

Well, thanks for the lesson, lol...but you didn't answer my questions.  :0)

I'm trying to help you with your original question.  Obviously, as we've determined, there is a recommended period of time in between the SSRI and the MAOI, usually abiout 5 weeks.  Your original question was if you could pull it off in two?  Why are you rushing it?  Are you worried about not having a med on board?  Did you talk to your doc about the switch over?  Did she recommend not pushing it to 2 weeks?

Have you ever had any long term effects from the Parnate?  When is the big event happening?  When do you start coming off the Luvox?

I wish for you a seamless transition.  Fingers and toes crossed!

[flowerville]

Parnate works by far the best out of all the ADs (for me) and it has no negative side effects.  It only has beneficial effects.  I have never had a "cheese reaction".  The diet is easy to observe.  Foregoing cheese in your diet is not as horrific as you may think.  There have been times I have gone off Parnate and I could eat all the cheese, wine, etc., I wanted to and it was not as though I was missing out on that much! :)

Parnate is actually good for your brain! - it's an antiparkinsonian neuroprotectant, they theorize.  It gives you energy - it's like "nonaddictive Dexedrine", and, most of all, it WORKS - and fast.

Luvox is "okay".  Luvox is okay for more ordinary depressions, but if you are really UP AGAINST IT, Parnate is the way to go.  With a trained p-doc who been in the business for years like mine, who I admire so, they're not scared of the drug and are willing to use it prudently.

Any questions? :)

[nursegirl6572]

You're absolutely right, and I apologize for the misleading info.  

Actually, the safest way to do a switch is to have at least 5 weeks in between.  So, why do you want to do it so quickly?  Are you worried about not having coverage with a medication?  What does your doc say?

[flowerville]

wait a minute...........

nothing personal, nursegirl, but you cannot do a cross taper on SSRIs and MAOIs.  Period.  Period..  The two entities cannot be in the bloodstream at the same time - NO EXCEPTIONS.  

May I ask where you acquire your information?

i know you're only trying to help, but mixing SSRI + MAOI = OFTEN FATAL CVA.

t h a n k - y o u

FlowerVille.

[nursegirl6572]

I guess my question to you would be, why do you WANT to do it so fast?

A transition like this is MUCH better tolerated when it is done slowly and deliberately.  Usually, the doc will gradually taper you OFF the SSRI, while at the same time, step you UP on the MAOI.  For the process to be done right, you would usually need at least a month, if not 2 or 3 months.

If you really have some big need to do it so quickly, then you need to speak with your doctor.  I would strongly recommend against it.  Do it the proper way, to minimize any major issues for yourself.